For all parents helping their children with homework everyday takes time and effort.  However, for parents of children with special education needs often this can turn into a long and challenging process.  Some key tips to support children with special education needs in completing their homework include:

1.      Help your child get organized and develop a routine.  Decide with your child a specific time and place for homework.  Ensure that the right school supplies (pencils, erasers, paper, etc.) are there and have an organized space.  Set time aside everyday for them to get out their school agenda and homework.  When you sit down with them have them take ownership and tell you what homework they have.  I find that a great reinforcement is having your child everyday make a list of their homework and cross items off as they are finished.

2.      Break down long homework assignments or projects into smaller chunks.  Instead of overwhelming your child with trying to complete an entire project, lay out the steps individually.  For example, if there is a project due at the end of the week, it is important to break it up into smaller actions, and then schedule when those actions are to be completed throughout the week to avoid a mad rush in trying to get it done.

3.      Use visual tools as much as possible.  In my last blog I focussed on getting to know your child’s learning style and try and match your approach to support it.  Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other exceptionalities are visual learners.  A visual agenda is very important to help plan and schedule due dates for their homework and assignments.

4.      Utilize your child’s interests to your advantage with homework.  For example, some children with ASD and other exceptionalities have specific interests.  These children tend to focus on one thing of interest like a particular sport, movie, animal, etc.  The trick is if you can tie in the assignment to their focus, it will make it much more exciting for them.  For example, it could be a story on sports cars for a child with an interest in cars.  Alternatively, it could also be used as an incentive to reward your child for completing some of their homework.   For example, if your child likes to play with Lego, he could play with it during a 10 minute break between completing chunks of homework.

5.      Be available for help.  Depending on your child you don't need to necessarily sit beside them the whole time.  In fact, what you want to build over time is greater independence with doing homework.  However, you need to be close enough so they don't have to search for you.  If your child has to get up from their work to find you, it may disrupt their focus.  Then you will end up spending homework time on helping them refocus. 

6.      Provide positive behaviour reinforcement when needed.  Often parents experience negative behaviour from their child surrounding homework (e.g., refusing to do homework, becoming angry/upset etc.).  As a parent you need to reinforce it with your child that adopting a positive attitude with homework has rewards.  You can start by choosing two behavioural goals for your child and write them on a chart.  For example, if your child often cries when they are frustrated during homework, you could include, "Get up and take a 5 minute break when I get frustrated" or “Ask my Mom or Dad for help when I get frustrated” on your chart.  After homework, briefly discuss your child’s behaviour with them and reinforce the positive behaviour by using a reward, such as a sticker system.  When they earn enough stickers they can have extra time to do a preferred activity.

7.      Give them praise and show interest in their work.  Once they have completed their homework be positive and praise them for completing it.  If you make your child aware that you noticed their good work habits they are likely to repeat them.  Showing an interest in your child’s homework helps to create a positive feeling in your child and homework will not seem like such a chore. 

8.      Work with your child’s school.  If you are struggling with homework you should to talk to your child’s teacher.  When talking to them find out any suggestions they may that may help you at home.  If there are strategies that have worked in class, you could look at implementing them when doing homework.  In addition, this sets up a two-way discussion with their teacher, as you can also share tips and strategies that are working at home that could be implemented in the classroom.

Homework is challenging for children with special education needs.  However, it does not need to be painful or become a daily a power struggle.  With a little planning however, parents can work with their children to help improve this daily task and as a result their learning.

Crawford Dedman

Special Education Consultant

www.challengingminds.com